Regulations regarding natural gas in buildings: Highlights
The provincial government has decided to upgrade two of its...
What is Dual Energy?
Dual Energy combines electricity as the primary source for heating your home and natural gas as a backup source. With Dual Energy, you use the right energy source at the right time, at the best cost.
Video is available in French only
Who Is This Solution For?
The Dual Energy electricity-natural gas solution is aimed at our residential customers with a central natural gas heating system who wish to replace their equipment or add a heat pump.
Please note that we are currently running a pilot project.
If you are interested in participating in the dual-energy program when it officially launches later in 2025, we invite you to contact us.
Why Are We Offering Dual Energy?
Dual Energy is part of a range of solutions to decarbonize the economy more quickly while limiting the impact on electricity demand.
Eligible Equipment
Benefits of Dual Energy
Receive financial support for installing electric appliances that complement natural gas appliances. For more information: Chauffez vert Program | Innovation and Energy Transition (gouv.qc.ca)
70 %
Use electricity as the primary energy source, approximately 70% of the time, and natural gas as a backup during cold periods when electricity demand is high.
Benefit from all the energy needed to heat your home at the most cost-effective rate while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Subsidies 1
Select options above to update the amount.
Amount: $6,800
Amount: $7,700
Amount: $8,200
Amount: 1,600 + ($1,600 x number of eligible units)
Amount: $3,600 ⁴
Amount: $3,800 ⁴
Amount: $3,900 ⁴
Amount: $1,000 x number of eligible housing units ⁴
Amount: $1,050 x number of eligible housing units ⁴
Amount: 250 $
Amount: 500 $
Amount: 750 $
Amount: 250 $ x nombre de logements admissibles
A subsidy may be paid for the replacement of a natural gas water heater with an electric water heater only if the replacement is carried out during the conversion to Biénergie.
- Financial assistance must not exceed 80% of eligible expenses, which include the costs of purchasing, installing, and commissioning new mechanical and electrical systems. The maximum financial assistance for the owner of a house or a unit in a divided co-ownership is $20,000. For the owner of a duplex, triplex, or a multi-unit residential building (MURB), the maximum is $225,000.
- If the dual-energy heating system consists of a centralized natural gas system serving multiple dwellings and an individual electric heating system for each unit, the financial assistance allocated for one unit is granted for each eligible unit.
If required for the transition to dual energy and for increasing electrical capacity, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $2,200. This applies to work involving the addition or replacement of an electrical panel leading to an increase in the amperage of the electric service entry of the residence. The new panel(s) must power the electric boiler. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with increasing electrical capacity.
If required for the transition to dual energy, for an upgrade of the electrical network, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $5,600. This applies to work upgrading the electrical network of the residence between the service mast and the panel. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with upgrading the building’s electrical network.
If required for the transition to dual energy and for increasing electrical capacity, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $2,400. This applies to work involving the addition or replacement of an electrical panel leading to an increase in the amperage of the electric service entry of the residence. The new panel(s) must power the electric boiler. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with increasing electrical capacity.
If required for the transition to dual energy, for an upgrade of the electrical network, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $5,600. This applies to work upgrading the electrical network of the residence between the service mast and the panel. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with upgrading the building’s electrical network.
If required for the transition to dual energy and for increasing electrical capacity, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $2,400. This applies to work involving the addition or replacement of an electrical panel leading to an increase in the amperage of the electric service entry of the residence. The new panel(s) must power the electric boiler. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with increasing electrical capacity.
If required for the transition to dual energy, for an upgrade of the electrical network, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $5,600. This applies to work upgrading the electrical network of the residence between the service mast and the panel. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with upgrading the building’s electrical network.
If required for the transition to dual energy and for increasing electrical capacity, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $4,000. This applies to work involving the addition or replacement of an electrical panel leading to an increase in the amperage of the electric service entry of the residence. The new panel(s) must power the electric boiler. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with increasing electrical capacity.
If required for the transition to dual energy, for an upgrade of the electrical network, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $1,500+ $650 x number of eligible housing units. This applies to work upgrading the electrical network of the residence between the service mast and the panel. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with upgrading the building’s electrical network.
If required for the transition to dual energy and for increasing electrical capacity, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $4,000. This applies to work involving the addition or replacement of an electrical panel leading to an increase in the amperage of the electric service entry of the residence. The new panel(s) must power the electric boiler. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with increasing electrical capacity.
If required for the transition to dual energy, for an upgrade of the electrical network, you may be eligible for an amount of up to $1,500+ $825 x number of eligible housing units. This applies to work upgrading the electrical network of the residence between the service mast and the panel. Financial assistance cannot exceed 100% of the costs associated with upgrading the building’s electrical network.
Save with Dual Energy
Small Residential Unit*
For a unit operating on Dual Energy, annual savings of$315**
With 5% GHG reduction, annual savings of$356**
With 100% GHG reduction, annual savings of$129**
*Small to medium residential unit consuming an average of 1,250 m3 per year.
**For indicative purposes only. The amount of average annual savings for space heating varies depending on factors such as the type of residence or installed equipment.
Large Residential Unit*
For a unit operating on Dual Energy, annual savings of $517**
With 5% GHG reduction, annual savings of $582**
With 100% GHG reduction, annual savings of$219**
*Medium to large residential unit consuming an average of 2,000 m3 per year.
**For indicative purposes only. The amount of average annual savings for space heating varies depending on factors such as the type of residence or installed equipment.
FAQ
Want to learn more about the Dual Energy offer?
Find answers to your questions below!
Are all customers eligible for Dual Energy?
The Dual Energy – Electricity and Natural Gas solution is initially aimed at Enbridge Gas Quebec residential customers who have a central forced-air or hot water heating system powered by natural gas.
To be eligible for the Dual Energy offer[1], Enbridge Gas Quebec customers must purchase and install a complementary appliance that enables the exclusive use of a Dual Energy heating system.
| Existing Technology | Complementary Technology for Dual Energy |
| Forced-air generator (furnace) | Heat pump |
| Boiler | Electric boiler |
For our commercial customers, visit the ÉcoPerformance Program webpage (french only): ÉcoPerformance Program | Innovation and Energy Transition (gouv.qc.ca) or contact one of our representatives at: ddm@enbridge.com. Our representatives will guide you accordingly.
[1] Other conditions will apply. Details to follow.
What are the other conditions for Dual Energy eligibility?
- Be an Enbridge Gas Quebec customer with residential usage
- Be the owner of the residence targeted for the work; for landlord/tenant cases, the tenant’s consent is required
- Not have been enrolled in Hydro-Québec’s DT Dual Energy rate in the past 12 months
- Have used natural gas for central heating in the targeted residence for at least 12 months (from the contract signing date)
- The number of housing units targeted by the work does not exceed 19
- Commit to Hydro-Québec’s DT Dual Energy rate for a 10-year period
- Purchase eligible new equipment
- Not have already purchased and installed the equipment
- Complete the work within 12 months from the contract signing date
- Submit an application that meets the requirements
If I decide to withdraw from Hydro-Québec’s DT Dual Energy rate before the 10-year commitment period, what are the consequences? What happens if I decide to sell my property?
In case of early withdrawal, fees proportional to the remaining commitment period will apply. If you sell your property, your commitment will transfer to the new owner. It is therefore essential to inform the buyer and the notary handling the transaction about the existence of this contract.
Will I be eligible for subsidies to facilitate my transition to Dual Energy?
Yes, subsidies are available to help reduce the purchase and installation costs of your new electric appliance.
Converting to a Dual Energy system involves adding an electric heating system and, in some cases, upgrading the existing heating system’s electrical components. The Government of Quebec, Enbridge Gas Quebec, and Hydro-Québec offer subsidies for the purchase and installation of necessary equipment. These subsidies can cover up to 80% of the additional costs (including taxes). The amounts granted depend on the type of heating and equipment purchased, with several detailed examples provided above.
After completing the work, you will be enrolled in Hydro-Québec’s DT Dual Energy rate for your electricity consumption. This advantageous rate can provide recurring savings on your bill by optimizing the use of the right energy source based on temperature variations.
I have an electric heating system. Can I take advantage of this offer?
No. This offer is not intended for Hydro-Québec customers who use an electric heating system. It is also not intended for Enbridge Gas Quebec customers who use natural gas solely for water heating or for peripheral equipment.
If I opt for a Dual Energy heating system, do I also need to replace my natural gas water heater?
Customers opting for Dual Energy must commit to exploring the possibility of installing an electric-only water heating solution at the end of the useful life of their existing natural gas water heater.
To receive financial assistance for replacing a natural gas water heater with an electric one, the water heater must be replaced during the same period as the heating system work and included in the same financial assistance application as the heating equipment.
Does a specific rate apply to electricity-natural gas Dual Energy?
Residential customers who choose the Dual Energy – electricity and natural gas solution will benefit from Hydro-Québec’s DT Rate.
This preferential rate offers ongoing savings on your electricity needs when the temperature exceeds -12°C. The Dual Energy rate also applies in the summer to power your air conditioner or electric pool heater.
Residual natural gas consumption will continue to be subject to the same rate as before the Dual Energy solution was installed.
Why are you encouraging your customers to switch to Dual Energy?
Switching to Dual Energy effectively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By working together, Hydro-Québec and Enbridge Gas Quebec aim to reduce participants’ natural gas consumption by just over 70%, advancing Quebec’s GHG reduction goals.
Did you know? Building heating is a significant source of GHG emissions and has a direct impact on climate change. Dual Energy is a solution to help you reduce your impact.
Why not opt for a solution to convert my natural gas heating system exclusively to electricity?
By choosing Dual Energy, you optimize your energy consumption by leveraging the complementarity of natural gas and electricity. Converting your natural gas heating system to an electric-only system would deprive you of valuable benefits (comfort, competitive natural gas pricing, reliability, etc.) and increase challenges related to managing electricity demand during peak periods.
Electric heating for buildings puts significant pressure on Hydro-Québec’s grid during winter peak consumption periods. Dual Energy is an excellent way to maximize electricity’s share in building heating while limiting the impact on peak demand. Reducing electricity demand during these specific times optimizes grid performance when it is most strained, reduces required investments, minimizes electricity rate increases, and helps avoid outages.